Which of the following is a recommended practice when reviewing patient medication lists?

Consulting with the patient for any missed medications is a vital practice when reviewing patient medication lists. This approach ensures that the information is accurate and reflects the patient's current medication regimen. By engaging with the patient, you can clarify any discrepancies, understand their adherence to prescribed medications, and identify any that may have been overlooked or that they have chosen not to take. This collaborative method promotes better patient safety and enhances the quality of care by ensuring that the medication list is comprehensive and up-to-date, taking into account the patient's own experiences and challenges with their medications.

In contrast, looking for discrepancies only in the current month limits the review period, potentially missing important medication changes from previous months. Reviewing medication history without patient input excludes valuable insights that the patient can provide, which can lead to incomplete or inaccurate lists. Updating the medication list monthly without considering ongoing changes fails to capture real-time adjustments that may occur due to various factors like new prescriptions or discontinuations. Therefore, consulting with the patient is the most effective practice for maintaining an accurate and thorough medication list.